Recent Fan Video Addresses Key Elements of Philosophy in Majora’s Mask
Posted on October 11 2023 by Josh Wittmershaus
When we think of philosophy, we often find ourselves addressing some of the classic questions that captivate our existence as humans: what is the meaning of life? How can we know if we truly know? Is there really such a thing as good and evil?
Majora’s Mask offers up many philosophical questions, some more apparent than others. A recent video by aspiring philosopher Callum Sullivan highlights what are in my opinion some of the lesser-discussed philosophical journeys we embark on throughout the game. He aptly chooses three main topics: determinism (how much of life is within our control), appearance vs. essence (how much can we change about ourselves), and reincarnation (what happens after we die). The topics of the video may be described using language that can be difficult for those who aren’t versed in philosophical verbiage, so I hope to use this article to dive deeper into what the video discusses in terms and words that are more accessible.
Determinism — Link as a Butterfly, Causing an Earthquake
Sullivan doesn’t waste time addressing a core mechanic of Majora’s Mask: that another end of the world is possible, despite often feeling like things are truly out of our control. Throughout the game, Link intervenes in the lives of those in Termina, many of whom have resigned themselves into thinking that there is nothing they can do but sit back and watch life run its course. While we can’t go back in time ourselves and change what has happened, the game raises a question that time travel theory often comes across: what are we destined for, and what can we change? For more on determinism, I encourage you to explore the works of the 17th-century Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza.
Appearance vs. Essence — The Faces of Acquaintances, In Multi-Dimensions
This existential dichotomy is probably the most surface-level for the player, as the mechanics of the game suggest that in order to be a certain way or do a certain thing, you have to take on the appearance of something that would be that way or do that thing. As the video suggests, masks are effectively appearances that lack an essence (an essence is, in other words, a deeper meaning to one’s existence beyond the appearance), at least in the world we live in. However, in Termina, these masks come with a set of essences that, when donned, inject themselves in the wearer.
The mask dynamic is not the only reference to the appearance/essence dichotomy referenced in the video though. Many players of Majora’s Mask come from having already played Ocarina of Time and will find that, either intentionally or coincidentally due to time constraints in the making of Majora’s Mask, the characters, enemies, objects, and even mechanics are more similar than they are different from its famed predecessor. Sullivan suggests that this is not coincidence at all, as the essence of these familiar characters has shifted dramatically, despite their appearance remaining an eerie resemblance to characters we met in Hyrule. For more on existentialism, check out the dynamic mid-century French duo Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.
Incarnation and Death — Carrying the Weight of Unfulfilled Ancestors
I found this an interesting question: does Link reincarnate the lives of the masks he dons? Perhaps not reincarnate, but just incarnate, as while he is taking on their forms and often finishing what they started, they aren’t the ones experiencing it through Link… or are they? Are they conscious of the tasks being done? The gameplay sometimes suggests that they are, especially in the case of Darmani. In order for incarnation to occur, the previous corporeal entities must have died; the acceptance of these deaths in both their own consciousness and the consciousness of the player is experienced in the regions of Termina, which – covered many times by many people – represent the stages of grief. Sullivan pays homage to these studies briefly, but focuses on the final stage: acceptance at the Ikana Stone Tower.
The concept of reincarnation is most commonly attributed to the Eastern theologies of Hinduism and Buddhism, the latter of which being the subject of a fan content review to be published later this week, so be on the lookout for that!
As someone who took a handful of philosophy courses in college and always loved a good “thought exercise,” watching this video and writing this article were very enjoyable experiences for me. What do you think? What philosophical inquires were sparked for you while playing Majora’s Mask? What about other Zelda games? What philosophical themes would you like to see in future Zelda titles? Let’s have our own thought exercises in the comments below!
And remember…
“The only thing I know is that I don’t know anything.” – Socrates
Source: Callum Sullivan
Josh Wittmershaus is a writer at Zelda Dungeon. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, he now resides in Northern California. Aside from Zelda, Josh enjoys playing music, seeing live music, music history, and all other things music. He also enjoys skating, hockey, and the occasional political or philosophical thought exercise.
